THOHOYANDOU – The Referee Inspector in the province, Mr Ephraim Singo, is a happy man. The reason for his happiness is that all ten referees who represented the province in the annual fitness tests that were held at the Parktonian Hotel in Johannesburg recently came back with their thumbs up.

According to Singo it was the first time that the province produced a 100% pass-rate in tests of this nature. Mr Singo stated that the referees underwent theoretical, practical and fitness tests during their five days' stay in the golden city. He further revealed that he was highly impressed by the fact that one of the local referees, Nyambeni Nkhumiseni, had obtained the highest marks in the theoretical tests. The local boy managed to score 87%.

The ten referees will handle the Premier First Division matches either as middlemen or assistant referees.

The guys who, according to Singo, have put the province in a better position in as far as refereeing is concerned are Judas Ramashidzha, Papaki Mokonyane, T Mashamaite, S Letsoalo, Samuel Rapetsoa, Rudzani Mulaudzi, Edward Mpilo, Victor Hlungwani, Nyambeni Nkhumiseni and Shumani Tinyani.

Singo further revealed that they will send four referees to the same tests that will be held at the same venue from the 14th to the 22nd of this month. The province will be represented by Tshifhiwa Dali, Collins Netshiongolwe, Peter Mativane and Jabu Nzima. The four will serve as assistant referees in Castle Premier League matches if they succeed in the tests.